FreedomWorks - cigarette tax hikehttp://www.freedomworks.org/fieldtags/cigarette-tax-hike
enState Cigarette Tax Hikes Totally Earning Cash; For Other States.http://www.freedomworks.org/content/state-cigarette-tax-hikes-totally-earning-cash-other-states
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Years ago, Illinois decided that smoking was bad for its citizens and put a cigarette tax into place thinking they'd do two things: one, break the people who live there of a nasty filthy habit that was shortening their lives and keeping the Democratic politicians who cared about their fragile health up at night, and two, raise a little cash for a state that is so far in debt California won't be seen in public with it anymore.&nbsp;</p><p>As a result of their kind concern for the lung health of Illinois residents, the legislature suceeded in doing one thing: improving the economies of Wisconsin and Indiana, as Illinois citizens escaped across the borders in droves to pick up bratwurst, lottery tickets, cheese and, most importantly, <em>cheap cigarettes</em>.</p><p>And now Washington state is trying their hand at controlling their citizens' ability to exercise their right to inhale the crisp mountain air through a nicotene-laced paper tube, and <a href="http://watchdog.org/75624/proposed-cigarette-tax-increase-in-or-could-light-up-black-market/">also at stimulating Oregon's convenience stores</a></p><blockquote><p>High cigarette taxes, intended to discourage the unhealthy habit and raise state revenue, have created a black market for cigarette sales across the country &nbsp;— from people sneaking cartons from states with lower taxes to a crime-plagued industry fueled by an influx of international cigarettes costing as little as 20 cents per pack.</p><p>In Washington, 35 percent of the cigarettes in the state are contraband, meaning they either came from cheaper tax states such as Oregon or Idaho or from the international market, according to data from the&nbsp;<strong>Washington state Department of Revenue.</strong>Washington’s state tax on cigarettes is $3.02, Oregon’s is $1.18 and Idaho is 57 cents, according to data on tax rates from the<strong>&nbsp;Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.</strong></p><p>“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that people in Washington are buying their cigarettes in Oregon,” Washington state Department of Revenue spokesman&nbsp;<strong>Mike Gowrylow</strong>&nbsp;said. “There’s a big incentive for people to make a run for the border and stock up on cigarettes.”</p></blockquote><p>Things got so dire in Washington that one cigarette "entrepreneur" even hired a hitman to settle a dispute over smuggled smokes, and the Pacific Northwest has suddenly become a booming market for Asian-made tobacco products that can be easily shipped aboard vessels headed into port cities like Seattle.</p><p>Oregon is now also considering a state tax, the thought being that this sudden boom in cigarette sales could line their pockets as well. Of course, Oregon is conveniently ignoring that the cigarette sales boom is actually the result of more expensive cigarettes to the north, and that Idaho to the East would just as quickly turn into a destination vacation for Oregon's smokers as Oregon did for Washington's. </p><p>As the Mackinac Center notes, <a href="http://www.mackinac.org/18128">smuggling and black market cigarette sales accompany tax hikes almost immediately</a>, and despite any immediate peak in calls to state-run "quit lines," there are really no long term effects of a tax or ban on people's cigarette use - in fact, taxes and bans <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/the_great_cigarette_tax_lie_My57RghhpuH5YSpbzASwEK">don't slow smoking at all</a>. They just happen to make smokers more creative about getting a better deal on their products of choice. Oregon hipsters, then, wouldn't be dissuaded from using their hand-rolled craft cigarettes and their Native Spirits. They'd just find trunks to buy them out of instead of bodegas.&nbsp;</p><p>Of course, like Illinois', most state government rarely learn, and so will continue to raise taxes on cigarettes thinking they're doing their citizens a favor. Which government always thinks. Because it's government. So how could it possibly be wrong?</p></div></div></div>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:05:41 +0000emily.zanotti57166 at http://www.freedomworks.orghttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/state-cigarette-tax-hikes-totally-earning-cash-other-states#commentsHelp Stop Tax Hikes in New Mexicohttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-tax-hikes-new-mexico
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Last week state legislators in New Mexico failed to pass an operating budget for fiscal year 2011 so they are now in a special session to get one passed. Thankfully, limited government advocates have been able to hold the line on higher taxes and are refusing to burden the working families of New Mexico further. Unfortunately, those calling for higher taxes haven’t backed down either. Your representatives and senators need to hear from you today.<br /><br /><a href="http://freedomworks.send-list.com/click/member/204/1/" title="http://freedomworks.send-list.com/click/member/204/1/"><img src="http://d30e01d2lljx0d.cloudfront.net/take_action.jpg" alt="Take Action Button" title="http://freedomworks.send-list.com/click/member/204/1/" border="0" /></a>and oppose tax hikes in New Mexico.<br /><br />A number of tax hike plans are being floated that call for higher taxes on cigarettes. These plans are trying to put the fiscal burdens of an entire state on one small portion of the population. New Mexico is not the only state facing budget gaps in this down economy, many states are in the same boat. And many of the states that have tried to pull the quick cash cigarette tax maneuver have found that it isn’t the silver bullet many hoped for and often the expected cash just doesn’t materialize.<br /><br />Instead of paying ever higher prices, smokers go online, across state lines, to reservations, and the black market to purchase cigarettes. That also leaves New Mexico’s small businesses hurting as sales decline. A majority of smokers are poor, which means that regressive cigarette taxes will fall most heavily on the shoulders of those who are struggling most to make ends meet these days. These are too many problems all to pay for a tax that won’t even bring in the promised funds big-government spenders are counting on.<br /><br /><a href="http://freedomworks.send-list.com/click/member/204/2/" title="http://freedomworks.send-list.com/click/member/204/2/"><img src="http://d30e01d2lljx0d.cloudfront.net/take_action.jpg" alt="Take Action Button" title="http://freedomworks.send-list.com/click/member/204/2/" border="0" /></a> and tell your legislators to oppose any tax hikes to fix the budget. New Mexico need to kick the spending habit, not burden our small businesses and the poor to dig us out of our financial hole. This is a state-wide problem that should be addressed by everyone.<br /><br />That means cutting spending and waste. These are new times and we can’t afford the same big government plans of the past that weigh down families and enterprise. It’s hard to find anyone exempt from the current economic downturn. But if families can learn to do more with less and stick to slimmed-down budgets, New Mexico can, too.<br /><br />When you come up short at the end of the week, you can’t go next door and tax your neighbor. You learn to get by. Urge your legislators not to compromise – no tax hikes for New Mexico. Your constant vigilance and support is greatly appreciated.<br /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:30:41 +0000admin52047 at http://www.freedomworks.orghttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-tax-hikes-new-mexico#commentsHelp Stop a Flood of Tax Hikes in North Carolinahttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-flood-tax-hikes-north-carolina
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Legislators in Raleigh will be considering a new budget any day now, as they face a July 1 deadline. For government reformers, a new budget sounds like a great idea as North Carolina faces a $4.6 billion deficit. However, rather than cutting fat and waste in the budget, Governor Beverly Perdue’s plan calls for an additional $1.5 billion in spending for education, even as state revenues fall.<br /><br />How does she and other House and Senate leaders plan to make up this huge difference? With a big package of new taxes and fees applied inconsistently across the economy, picking and choosing the winners and losers. The House and Senate are considering different plans, but here are a few of the suggestions on the table that will hurt North Carolina families and businesses.</p><ul><li>A so-called “Amazon” sales-tax on internet purchases like digital books and music that will stifle commerce and presents constitutionality questions.</li></ul><ul><li>A $1-per-pack tax hike on cigarettes that comes on top of a recent federal hike and will push smokers to purchase cigarettes on the black market and hurt small businesses like convenience stores.</li></ul><ul><li>An alcohol tax that will slam an already suffering hospitality industry.</li></ul><ul><li>Taxes on lawn care and car repairs.</li></ul><ul><li>A sales tax hike.</li></ul><ul><li>A plan to tax on-line advertiser referral fees. Any referral fees are already taxed as income, but this will turn online companies into tax collectors. This is a hat some companies don’t want to wear and already Amazon.com has informed its affiliates in North Carolina that should this tax plan pass, they will be let go.</li></ul><ul><li>An income tax hike for certain tax brackets.</li></ul><p>These taxes present a severe burden for families who are already suffering in this economic downturn and who face higher taxes and fees not only at the state level, but at the federal and county level. Other taxes strike a blow directly at the heart of many businesses – some that are struggling to stay afloat, and some that have become the lynch-pin of communities and families that need their income and services. The last thing that North Carolinians can afford is higher taxes.<br /><br /><strong>Take Action and call your state representative at 919-733-7928.</strong><br /><br />It’s essential they hear from you and understand higher taxes won’t fix this budget. Governments need to learn to live within their means just as families do. Many of these same tax hike schemes have been tried in other states, but failed to address financial woes. North Carolina should choose a different path. Making the smart choice to cut spending and waste combined with lower taxes and less burdensome regulation will promote real, long term growth for the state.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Call your state legislators: no new taxes!</div></div></div>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:21:13 +0000admin51982 at http://www.freedomworks.orghttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-flood-tax-hikes-north-carolina#commentsHelp Stop Delaware Tax Hikeshttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-delaware-tax-hikes
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Delaware is the latest state to jump on the tax hike bandwagon with a plan to raise taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to bridge a looming budget gap. These so-called “sin taxes” seem to be the first place politicians go for some quick cash anytime they can’t pay the bills. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.capwiz.com/freedomworks/issues/alert/?alertid=13554061"><strong>Take Action</strong></a> and urge your lawmakers to oppose tax hikes and pursue real long-term growth policies.<br /><br />A recent proposal would raise alcohol taxes by two cents per 12-ounce can of beer, three cents per 5-ounce serving of wine, and 15 cents per bottle of liquor. The state cigarette tax would see a $.45/pack hike.<br /><br />Delaware doesn’t need to go down the path of higher taxes that nickel-and-dime citizens. State legislators need only look up I-95 to New Jersey to see the effect cigarette tax hikes have on the budget. A Heartland Institute study shows that for two years running, the tax hikes have led to reduced revenues, not the millions the state was banking on. <br /><br />New Jersey was left with a still gaping budget hole and businesses were hurt as smokers turned to the Internet, Indian Reservations, and the black market for lower priced cigarettes. This is a common scenario when legislators go after a minority of citizens for the funding woes of a state. <br /><br />The picture is the same when you look at alcohol taxes. Raising those taxes hurts businesses as well. Already, the hospitality industry is bleeding jobs during this economic downturn. The last thing they need is higher taxes!<br /><br />Governor Markell is hoping these proposals bring in over $20 million, a drop in the bucket when Delaware is facing an $800 million gap for 2010. But looking at other states who have tried the same tax and spend schemes, that money won’t be there and taxpayers will be again left holding the bag – only now with a much bigger price tag. <br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.capwiz.com/freedomworks/issues/alert/?alertid=13554061">Take Action</a></strong> and tell your legislators to avoid these tax gimmicks altogether. Delaware has a great history of tax competition and economic liberty that has allowed that state to thrive. Keeping spending in check is a far better way to maintain long-term growth than going down the tax-hike road where other states have become stuck.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:48:46 +0000admin51978 at http://www.freedomworks.orghttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-delaware-tax-hikes#commentsHelp Stop Minnesota Tax Hikehttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-minnesota-tax-hike
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Even after freedom-loving citizens took to the streets last week on April 15 to protest the tax and spend ways of our federal and state governments, it looks like a massive tax hike is still on the horizon for Minnesotans. There is a plan to raise the state cigarette tax by a whole $1 making its way through the Minnesota legislature. That would make a pack in Minnesota cost almost $7!<br /><br />It’s clear that we still have to keep up the pressure on our elected officials to do the right thing. <strong><a href="http://capwiz.com/freedomworks/issues/alert/?alertid=13211031&amp;type=ML">Take Action</a></strong> and urge your leaders to oppose this tax hike.<br /><br />Like many other hurting states, Minnesota is facing a $4.6 billion budget gap. That’s a big hole, but trying to fill that with more taxes, especially taxes that affect a minority of Minnesotans just won’t work. <br /><br />States that enact cigarette taxes, hoping to get a fresh wave of cash in the door, rarely see those promised funds. That hole will still be there and they’ll have to turn to even more taxes and fees from taxpayer pockets. <br /><br />Cigarette tax hikes hurt Minnesota’s small businesses. To avoid high costs, people turn to the black market, the internet, across state lines, and to Indian reservations to get cheaper cigarettes. <br /><br />At a time when everyone – not just the state government – is struggling to make ends meet, our elected officials should think twice before raising taxes. If citizens are cutting back on expenses, reconsidering where their money goes, and sticking to a budget, the state should too! <br /><br />This is the time for real leaders to make the tough choices necessary to promote real growth in Minnesota. Cutting waste and spending, and rolling back regulations would make the state a great place to do business and bring jobs to the area. <br /><br /><a href="http://capwiz.com/freedomworks/issues/alert/?alertid=13211031&amp;type=ML"><strong>Take Action</strong></a> and tell your elected officials Minnesota doesn’t need new tax hikes, we need lower taxes, less government, and more freedom.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:48:28 +0000admin51963 at http://www.freedomworks.orghttp://www.freedomworks.org/content/help-stop-minnesota-tax-hike#comments